Tablet and keyboard combo

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freitasm

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#113098 6-Jan-2013 10:57

My parents-in-law want a smaller device to carry on around trips, instead of their laptop. Since they use Google Apps for their custom domain email I thought of getting an Android-based device instead of an iOS pad.

Basically thinking of a Samsung 3G/WiFi, but I have a couple of questions:

Is there a good small keyboard around the local market that can be used (I imagine via Bluetooth)?
How can they import photos from a digital camera to send as attachment via email? Is there a model with a SD slot to read the camera's SD card in addition to a microSD for more storage?

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#740612 6-Jan-2013 11:03

USB OTG to either camera direct or a card reader. More bits to carry though :-(

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freitasm

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#740614 6-Jan-2013 11:05

So, the Samsung tabs have USB OTG builtin and they can just plug the camera? Good job, just need a keyboard...

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freitasm

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#740615 6-Jan-2013 11:06

Strike that. I see it's an adapter...

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macuser

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#740617 6-Jan-2013 11:08

For simplicity, you could just get an iPad, Logitech ultrathin keyboard cover and their SD card adapter. A lot less guesswork if they're not big tech users.

With Google Chrome with sync for iOS and the Gmail app, you can basically live 'Google' in iOS.

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#740618 6-Jan-2013 11:11

I rather have an Android device for them than an iPad, really. The Samsung Tab is up there in quality and functionality.

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#740619 6-Jan-2013 11:11

I still use my transformer TF101 (using it right now on holiday at the beach) which has micro SD, full SD\MMC\SDHC and usb + mini hdmi. Only thing it's missing is 3G - I just use a cheap lg phone as hotspot, but I would highly recommend ASUS for tablet\keyboard combo; I'm sure they make a 3G version now?

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semigeek

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#740622 6-Jan-2013 11:24

Don't know how good it is, but Jaycar has this Bluetooth keyboard http://www.jaycar.co.nz/productView.asp?ID=XC4945

And for the SD card problem, how about a MicroSD with a SD adapter so they can pop the MicroSD in the SD adapter and then into the camera and when ready to transfer photos, just take out the MicroSD and put it in which ever tablet?

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#740624 6-Jan-2013 11:27

The LG V901 has 3G but the product for the only retailer doesn't specify which bands. Also running Android 3.0 only. Might have to investigate.

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freitasm

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#740625 6-Jan-2013 11:27

This is the problem with Android though. Too many options, not enough information from retailers and a lot of outdated OS installed all around.

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Wade

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#740628 6-Jan-2013 11:52

One solution albeit a pita would be to migrate a microSD card (with adaptor) into the camera which will then slot into tablet?

Another option if you could a) find a 3G model or b) use a 3G dongle, is the Samsung XE500T, it doesn't have that android integration but being x86 based you can do pretty much do everything google through Chrome browser. I'm guessing for you it would be easier to upskill the inlaws in win8 then have the ongoing dilemma of dealing with the quirks of android :P

I bought one a couple of weeks ago and love it, its no grunter but serves it purpose(s) well

mwilcox

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#740658 6-Jan-2013 14:51

Have you thought about getting a WiFi-enabled SD card?

freitasm

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#740666 6-Jan-2013 15:09

They might not have WiFi everywhere they are going and best make things easier.

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sillybilly

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#740709 6-Jan-2013 17:57

Hi all, im currently using a Galaxy Tab 2 10.1 and was looking at something like this for a bluetooth keyboard...(and cover)

http://www.trademe.co.nz/computers/peripherals/keyboards/cordless/auction-548100045.htm

My digital camera also uses an SD , and the tablet has a micro-sd slot. I use my micro sd card in a SD card adapter in my digital, and just take out the micro sd and pop it into the tablet when required..

I find the 10.1 model kind of "biggish" and would probably would recommend the 7 inch version for better mobility..hope this helps

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#740753 6-Jan-2013 20:41

I found a Bluetooth keypad and cover for my 7 inch Galaxy Tab on TradeMe, was about $40. The Tab 7 also has an SD slot , and 3G (if you get the right model), but screen resolution isn't as good as a Nexus 7 or Galaxy 7.7 (if you'vegot the budget). Keyboard also works with other Galaxy Tablets I've tried so I'd say there's plenty of options out there once you decide on the Tablet.

snowfly

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#741591 8-Jan-2013 13:23

As mentioned above, Asus do have a 3g enabled tablet with keyboard dock, the TF300TG:
https://price.geekzone.co.nz/product.aspx?pid=886781632

Big benefit is the keyboard dock with full sized USB port, full sized SD card slot, and extra battery.

I have the TF201 model (Transformer Prime), which works great. Took it away on holiday and didn't even need the laptop at all for any urgent work (SSH sessions), copying photos from camera SD card, and general wifi usage (and tethering with my phone 3g).

The second battery in the keyboard dock is great, can last 4-5 days without a recharge, with 1-2 hours usage per day.

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